An Extraordinary Take

Sibonisile Ngubane Cossa

Welcome to An Extraordinary Take! I'm Sibonisile Ngubane Cossa—a Public Relations Specialist, former Journalist, Poet, and Public Speaker—driven by a passion for uncovering the extraordinary within the ordinary. This podcast celebrates the courage to stand out in a world that often rewards blending in. Together, we'll explore stories that reignite our unique flames, showcasing how embracing what makes us different can leave a lasting, unreplicable mark on the world. Join me in discovering the extraordinary within all of us—where being different isn't just welcomed but celebrated for its potential to spark change. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share. Let's journey together toward embracing and expressing the magic that makes us extraordinary.

  1. 12/25/2025

    When Going Home Hurts: Boundaries, Healing & Family Dynamics During the Festive Season

    The holiday season often brings us back into the heart of family but what happens when those spaces are no longer safe, supportive, or aligned with the healing work we've begun? In this powerful conversation with psychologist Dr. NkululekoMhlongo (Dr. Better), we unpack the realities of mental health in Black communities during the festive season. From navigating triggers and setting boundaries, to the rise of younger generations choosing therapy and even estrangement, this episode asks the tough questions: What does family really mean for us today? Are old habits and traditions serving the future we're trying to build? We also explore the stigma around depression, the generational shifts in therapy access, and how breaking cycles of silence and trauma can reshape what family looks like for generations to come. This episode is not just about surviving the holidays, it's about reimagining family, breaking generational curses, and creating space for healthier, more authentic connections.

    1h 8m

  2. 11/20/2025

    GBVF in South Africa: A Crisis We Can't Ignore

    South Africa is often called the rape capital of the world, and the numbers are devastating: 15 women are murdered every day, and 117 rapes are reported daily; with thousands more going unreported. Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) is not just a crisis; it's a national emergency. In this episode of An Extraordinary Take, host Sibonisile Cossa sits down with Cameron Kasambala, spokesperson for Women For Change, the organisation behind the G20 Women's Shutdown campaign. This bold movement calls for GBVF to be declared a national disaster, unlocking urgent government intervention and systemic change. Together, we unpack: The cultural norms and belief systems that fuel GBVF, including the dangerous idea that men and women are not equal. How abuse is learned as early as age 7, perpetuating cycles of violence across generations. Why the G20 Women's Shutdown is a critical moment for South Africa—and how ordinary citizens can take action. This conversation is raw, urgent, and deeply human. It's not just for women, it's for men who want to listen, learn, and grow their empathy, and discover practical ways to support survivors and dismantle harmful norms. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sexual violence, femicide, and trauma. Please take care of yourself while listening, and be kind to yourself if any part of the conversation feels triggering. Tune in, reflect, and join the movement to end GBVF.

    1h 1m

  3. 11/06/2025

    You're Never Too Old For Childlike Faith

    This week's episode is more of a story time where we journey through the miraculous and the mysterious, these are moments where faith met the supernatural and the impossible became reality. You know those moments where every plan you had has gone out the window and you have nothing new up your sleeve; but how just when you were about to lose hope, things come together and work out even better than you had hoped or expected. I call these moments in my life my Faith Chronicles, the moments where I knew for certain that God really exists and is For Me. It's my faith chronicles that allowed my younger self to be more daring, to go for opportunities that seemed way above me, while trusting that the impossible was in fact, possible and that a miracle could just be on the other side of my daring to try.  As we grow older, the fearless parts of ourselves often get buried beneath the need for structure, certainty, and control. But this episode is a gentle, powerful reminder that we are never too old for childlike faith. It's a call to remember the magic that once moved us, the daring leaps we took without knowing the full story, and the grace that met us mid-air. Whether you're in a season of doubt or simply longing to reconnect with the wonder of trusting in the unseen, this episode will reignite your spirit. It's an invitation to believe again, to expect miracles, and to live with the quiet confidence that we are always looked after by a loving God.  You have your own Faith Chronicles too. Let this episode help you remember them so you can trust again.

    1h 4m

  4. 10/23/2025

    Are You Being Humble Or Just Bracing Yourself For Failure?

    Did you know that research shows people often prefer complainers over those who speak positively about their lives? It's a surprising truth that reveals how deeply our culture discourages self-celebration, especially for women. In this episode, we challenge the idea that humility means shrinking yourself. We explore how being too humble might actually be holding you back from the success, joy, and opportunities you deserve. If you've ever downplayed your achievements to seem more relatable or avoid being labeled as "braggy," this conversation is for you. We dive into: Why redefining bragging is a radical act of self-love How celebrating your wins can attract more abundance The power of betting on yourself and believing you could be the exception Minimizing your accomplishments doesn't serve you or the world. It's time to learn how to brag in a way that builds you up, inspires others, and honors the greatness within you.  If you're ready to shift how you see yourself, speak about your goals, and step into your power unapologetically—tune in. This might just be the mindset shift that unlocks your dream life.

    1 hr

  5. 10/03/2025

    How to Say No: The Black Tax Survival Guide

    Remember that episode about family members who only call when they need something? Well, Part 2 is here, and it's deeper, bolder, and more necessary than ever. This time, we're joined by Phumza Chuene, a Black Tax Coach and author of The Black Tax Survival Guide, a powerful guide that's helping Black professionals across South Africa and beyond reclaim their financial and emotional autonomy. In this episode, Phumza unpacks the cultural weight of Black Tax, the silent guilt that often accompanies success, and the emotional toll of being the "go-to" in your family. But this isn't just a conversation, it's a toolkit. Phumza shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, saying "No" without shame, and redefining what support looks like in a way that honors both heritage and personal well-being. If you've ever felt torn between love and obligation, or struggled to balance generosity with self-preservation, this episode is for you. It's raw, real, and radically empowering.

    1h 14m

  6. 09/18/2025

    More Than a Provider: Reimagining Black Fatherhood with Mutle Mothibe

    In this powerful and heartfelt episode, acclaimed poet and writer Mutle Mothibe, a father of three, joins us for an intimate conversation about the evolving role of Black fathers in the household. We explore the profound distinction between being a father and being a dad, and how intentional parenting can foster lifelong friendships between fathers and their children, relationships that many in previous generations never had the tools or emotional language to build. Long before "gentle parenting" became a global phenomenon, Mutle was living it and  embodying a style of fatherhood that is intentional, empathetic, and revolutionary. In this episode, we celebrate the anomaly he represents in his generation and the powerful example he sets for Black dads everywhere. Mutle opens up about the inner work required to show up not just as a provider, but as a present, emotionally attuned, and nurturing figure in his children's lives. We unpack how traditional titles and expectations often limit men from fully connecting with their children, and what it means to parent without a blueprint; especially in a society where Black fatherhood has long been misrepresented or misunderstood. Mutle shares how creating emotional safety at home has empowered his children to feel secure in themselves and in the world. He offers deep insights for both men and women on how to parent from a place of emotional clarity and self-awareness, rather than reaction, and how doing so allows children to experience the best version of their parents. We also dive into the importance of seeing children as whole human beings, not just as dependents, and how dehumanizing them through dismissal or control can fracture the parent-child bond. This episode is a celebration of healing, growth, and the redefinition of what it means to be a dad in today's world.

    1h 23m

  7. 09/04/2025

    Those Who Influence Your Perspective Shape Your Experience

    "Your perspective will either become your Prison or your passport; choose wisely"  Who has shaped the way you see the world? How much of what you believe about yourself and your life has been unconsciously influenced by others? In this episode, I reflect on a somewhat life altering day spent with two of my high school teachers. One, a fabulous woman in her late 50s, is navigating a cancer diagnosis with grace and joy that can only be described as inspirational. The other, a widow who has endured profound loss, radiated so much wisdom and wonder, it left me in awe. Despite their challenges, both women exuded such immense gratitude and light that it shifted something deep within me. It reminded me that our perspective doesn't just shape how we see the world; it defines how we experience it. I realised that many of our limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns are inherited, not chosen. But once we become aware, we can choose differently. This episode invites you to examine your own perspective: Is it serving you or holding you back? Who's influencing how you see the world, and is their view worth carrying forward? Or is it time to adopt new ways of living, loving, and experiencing life? If you're ready to reclaim your mindset, elevate your thinking, and live with more clarity and purpose, this conversation is for you.

    53 min

  8. 08/15/2025

    Building a Life You Love Before Love Finds You

    In this episode of An Extraordinary Take, I'm joined by my good friend Kuda as we unpack the often-overlooked beauty of singlehood. We challenge the notion that being single is to be endured as a waiting cell before the desired destination of marriage. Kuda reflects on his own journey of navigating singleness as a black man and the responsibility that comes with being seen as an eligible bachelor.   We explore how embracing singleness with joy, adventure, and self-awareness can lay the foundation for deeper, healthier relationships in the future. We also discuss the risks of rushing into marriage out of fear or cultural/religious pressure, and how clarity in your single years can shape the kind of partnership you choose in the future .    This episode is a celebration of singlehood as a space for growth, joy, and radical self-love. Whether you're already married, seeking, or navigating the complexities of being single, this conversation offers a fresh lens on how to live fully in the now, whatever it looks like for you.

    1h 9m
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About

Welcome to An Extraordinary Take! I'm Sibonisile Ngubane Cossa—a Public Relations Specialist, former Journalist, Poet, and Public Speaker—driven by a passion for uncovering the extraordinary within the ordinary. This podcast celebrates the courage to stand out in a world that often rewards blending in. Together, we'll explore stories that reignite our unique flames, showcasing how embracing what makes us different can leave a lasting, unreplicable mark on the world. Join me in discovering the extraordinary within all of us—where being different isn't just welcomed but celebrated for its potential to spark change. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share. Let's journey together toward embracing and expressing the magic that makes us extraordinary.

Information

  • Creator
    Sibonisile Ngubane Cossa
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    An Extraordinary Take